Aunt Charity’s Provisioning Efforts
Chief among those fetching supplies was Captain Bildad’s sister, a lean old lady of determined and indefatigable spirit who seemed resolved that nothing should be found wanting aboard the Pequod once at sea. She continuously arrived with diverse items—a jar of pickles for the steward’s pantry, quills for the chief mate’s desk, flannel for someone’s rheumatic back. She bustled about ready to turn her hand and heart to anything promising safety, comfort, and consolation. Her name was Charity—Aunt Charity, as everybody called her. On the last day, she notably came on board with a long oil-ladle in one hand and an even longer whaling lance in the other.
Narrator’s Unvoiced Apprehensions About Captain Ahab
During the days of preparation, the narrator and Queequeg often visited the ship, and the narrator repeatedly asked about Captain Ahab—how he was and when he would come aboard. The answers were that he was getting better and expected aboard every day, while Captains Peleg and Bildad attended to fitting the vessel. Yet if the narrator had been honest with himself, he would have seen that he did but half fancy being committed to so long a voyage without once seeing the man who would be its absolute dictator once the ship reached open sea. Suspecting wrong, the narrator insensibly strove to cover up his suspicions even from himself, saying nothing and trying to think nothing.
Announcement of Imminent Departure
At last, word was given that the ship would certainly sail sometime the next day. When that morning came, Queequeg and the narrator took a very early start.
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